Donna Rae Wilson

February 12, 1956 - September 6, 2020

Donna Rae Wilson, age 64 of Portage, IN passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on February 12, 1956 in McKeesport, PA to Harold and Alice (Hodge) Bucy. Donna Wilson, affectionately known as “Donna Rae’, is lovingly remembered as a literal treasure chest; to her family, friends, and co-laborers who knew her best. She’s a woman with a vibrant personality who lived her ‘life out loud.’ Donna Rae is a beautiful woman, whom her husband Rob, refers to as his “hottie” in her younger years. She never lost her sparkle. Her immediate family laughingly recalls during her “BC”days (before Christ) Donna Rae’s signature defense phrase was “only 2 shots and 2 shoots”..to signify that she was well within reasonable boundaries of sobriety; as they’d lovingly tuck her in after a fun night out. Her most notorious in house exploits include her knack for memorizing Rob’s credit card numbers at a glance, the card which then became an unwitting accomplice to her Lula Roe addictions; an appetite fueled in part by her chief enabler known to the powers that be as Mama JG. As a young woman, Donna Rae had a life changing experience when a horseback accident rendered her paralyzed from the waist down. But Donna Rae is a fighter; with her Mom’s help, they both learned new ways to navigate the everyday tasks of life and motherhood. She embraced her physical challenges multiple ways by hiking with her children and speaking out for handicapped accessibility in public places. She never allowed her disability to hinder her or define her. She took on the role of a neighborhood mom; she accepted all the strange characters her kids brought home as friends. Her persona never met a stranger. She’s full of life and ‘bubbly-ness’; which seemed contagious: and often was despised for it, yet never changed her stride. Donna Rae demonstrated forgiveness towards those who’d hurt her. When Donna Rae recommitted her life to the Lord, she became a full-fledged unashamed ambassador for Jesus Christ. A proficient student and teacher of God’s Word, she and her husband Rob dedicated their lives to the Lord’s service within their local assembly, The City of Refuge Christian Church of NWI. Donna Rae served as a Board Member, Administrative Assistant, member of the Praise Team, co-partnered to lead Noon Day Service on weekdays, active partner in Women’s Ministry and more. You name it, she did it. The light of God’s love radiated from her: she didn’t just show you, she’d tell you that she loved you; wanting you to hear it from her direct. She loves people unconditionally; is most proud of and always encouraged her children, and within her heart is an infinite well of love for her grandchildren. Her memorial is written in the present tense to signify that she is forever alive in her family’s heart. On Sunday, September 6, 2020 Donna Rae answered the call of her Heavenly Father; thus leaving a huge void in her absence, yet passes the torch of a marvelous example to emulate. Keeping her close in spirit are her husband Robert Wilson; her mother, Alice Bucy of Portage, IN; brother, Harold (Jill) Bucy Jr. of Chesterton; daughters, Tanya Gorgas of Portage, Tiffany (Shaun) Mayoch - Estes of Valparaiso; son, Thomas (Louisa) Mayoch III of Cologne, Germany; four granddaughters, Liliana Gorgas of Portage, Isabel Piggott of Valparaiso, Delilah Gorgas of Portage, Emma Rae Mayoch of Cologne, Germany; father in law, Charles Wilson of Wanatah; brothers-in-law, Pat (Janet) Wilson of Portage, Lenny (Colleen) Wilson of Valparaiso, Robert Scott of Wanatah; The City of Refuge Christian Church - her brothers and sisters in Christ. Donna is preceded in death by her father, Harold Bucy; her mother-in-law, Janet Wilson; her sister-in-law, Robin Scott; and nephew, Caleb Wilson. A Celebration of Donna's life will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 6:00 pm at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Ave., Portage, IN 46368 with Pastor Michael A. Pirtle officiating. A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2020 from 4:30 pm until the time of services at 6:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial donations in Donna's honor may be made to help fund research into Pancreatic Cancer at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University by visiting https://www.cancer.northwestern.edu/about/donate-volunteer/ways-to-give.html